How To Train Your Cat To Use A Scratching Post

Cat scratching posts are the only way that you can stop your pet from totally destroying your furniture, short of declawing them. The trick is knowing how to make your cat use the hanging cat scratcher by choice. The most effective way to do this is by making them see the scratcher as a much more appealing object.

The first thing that you need to do is make sure that the scratching post that you choose is securely fastened. When a cat chooses to scratch something they like it to be sturdy, heavy and not flimsy. This means that bigger and harder the cat scratcher, the more likely your cat will be to use it.

This is similar to what I just said, but along with being hard and sturdy, make sure that the cat scratcher is long enough for your pet. Cats enjoy reaching up high and pulling down when they sharpen their claws. This allows them to stretch out their muscles as well. If the post you choose is too short, your cat may not favor it. Also be aware that excessive scratching for a cat is not always normal. It may be necessary to consult Portland veterinarians to really know whether or not there is a problem with your cat’s behavior.

Another great tip is to leave some food on or near the scratcher. This will help your cat to associate the scratching post with pleasure. This will also assure that your cat will also visit the post often. Make sure that you often replenish the food supply, without over feeding your pet of course.

Make sure that scratching post is near their litter box and some play toys. This will ensure that your cat spends even more time around the post and will make it much more likely that they will use it.

By implementing these methods, you will be much more likely to have a cat that uses a scratching post as opposed to your furniture to clean and sharpen their nails.